Sri Lanka is ready to host IPL 2020: SLC puts the proposal in front of BCCI

The sporting scenario across the world has come to a standstill due to the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic. The debacle has taken a toll across the globe and more than 1 lakh deaths have occurred due to the life-threatening virus. India has been also suffering from the pandemic as more than 10,000 individuals have tested positive and 414 deaths have occurred so far due to the pandemic.

To tackle the pandemic, India PM Narendra Modi initially had announced a 21-day lockdown. However, considering the stern situation, the lockdown was extended further till May 3. Due to the extension of the lockdown, the feasibility of IPL 2020 looks bleak. The tournament has landed into hot water and the possibility of the league to commence looks slim now after BCCI decided to postpone it for an indefinite period of time.

IPL 2020 has been postponed indefinitely due to coronavirus outbreak

In such trying times, Sri Lanka Cricket has informed BCCI that they are ready to host this year’s IPL 2020 which currently looks vague due to the lockdown situation. Speaking to Lankadeepa Newspaper, Sri Lanka Cricket President Shammi Silva said that India is likely to look into Sri Lanka’s proposal if the outbreak of coronavirus subsides in the neighbouring country.

BCCI and stakeholders are anticipated to incur a huge loss if the tournament eventually gets called off. Hence, it will be beneficial for them to schedule the tournament in another country. Moreover, IPL 2020 will bring more cashflow in Sri Lanka if the tournament is played in the Island nation.

“If IPL is called off, Indian Cricket board and IPL stakeholders will have to bear a loss of more than USD 500 Million. So, it will be beneficial for them to conduct the league in another country as they did in 2009 in South Africa,” said Silva.

“If we get the go-ahead from them to this proposal, we are ready to provide all the facilities necessary under the supervision of Sri Lankan health authorities,” he added.